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Firstly in regard to location, which would you say is the better location (ie near Paddington station or near Victoria Station). Secondly, what differences in regard to qualityand size of rooms. Any advice greatly appreciated. LS

for me, personally, i would choose victoria because it is closer to knightsbridge and good shopping. Paddington is nearer to Notting Hill which is also fun. Neither area is great but have lots of good cheap hotels being close to transport - so you can't go wrong with either.

I don't know either hotel I'm afraid but you probably won't be spending too much time in the hotel. Remember London hotels are small.

Thanks MH16......what area would you stay in.....on our visit, last year, our first time in London...we stayed in Bloomsbury, which we loved, but thought maybe we should stay somewhere different this time.... LS

The Luna & Simone is a lot, lot further away from Victoria Station than the Darlington is from Paddington. Darlington is walkable from Paddington, Luna & Simone is not walkable with luggage from Victoria.

Paddington/Darlington is most convenient if you're using Heathrow, Victoria has direct public transport to Gatwick, Luton & Stansted.

The Luna & Simone has a number 24 bus outside that runs 24x7 which will get you to Westminster/Big Ben/London Eye in 5 minutes and goes onto Trafalgar SQaure and the West End.

Darlington has many buses from Paddington attacking the same places from the North, but going through/past Oxford Street in 5 minutes on its way to West End, Westminster.

Both have Underground stations (Pimlico and Paddington/Lancsater Gate nearby.

The biggest difference are the hotels themselves. Luna & Simone is comparatively simple and basic, with excellent hosts who will give you personal attention and have high standards. The Darlington is more like a traditional service hotel.

I recently stayed at the Darlington and loved. Yes, it's a 5 minute walk to the paddington tube/train station with lots of little restaurants along the way. The staff was very friendly and available 24/7. They have a wonderful breakfast available, both continental & full English. The hotel also has laundry facilities for the guests.

I just looked at the Darlington web site - first time i've seen a London hotel list their safety features and taking care of solo female travellers. 2 pluses in my opinion if they follow through on their statements.